Shafaqna English- Ahlulbate TV presented: Women’s View: Life Stories (UK), Episode 7- Afrozeh Zaidi-Jivraj
Growing up in Dubai, Afrozeh Zaidi-Jivraj witnessed firsthand the harsh realities of inequality, especially for Asian migrant workers who are often treated as second-class citizens. The exploitative conditions faced by construction workers, likened to modern slavery, profoundly impacted her. Moving to the UK provided a new environment and a blank slate, encouraging her to engage in activism and express her concerns. She began writing for platforms like The Huffington Post, focusing on issues she was passionate about, such as women’s rights and social justice. Despite the challenges, she pursued education and balanced her family life, driven by a desire to utilize her talents and contribute meaningfully to society.
Afrozeh Zaidi-Jivraj’s commitment to justice has also fueled her advocacy for women’s rights within the Muslim community. She argues that feminism can be compatible with Islamic principles and emphasizes the importance of addressing cultural disparities that affect women’s rights. This includes ensuring equal responsibilities for boys and girls and advocating for women’s representation and rights in various spheres. Her approach is to foster internal discussions within the Muslim community to resolve these issues, highlighting the need for ethical practices and active participation in social and political causes. Inspired by the principles of justice and truth exemplified by Imam Hussein, she believes in standing firm against oppression and advocating for ethical and just practices in all aspects of life.